Question

What are some song lyrics that use personification?

Answer 1

Hint: Personification is a form of symbolism that is often used in literature. It occurs whenever we attribute human features to things that are not people or even conscious, including nature or everyday objects. Non-human entities are allocated human attributes in certain instances of personification, but people are often given objective qualities as well. Things are more often personified in poetry, but seldom done in the song industry.

Complete answer:
To be honest, personification is a fantastic technique for music, which is why it's such a disappointment that far more musicians and songwriters don't employ it. In reality, this poetic element enhances the quality of some compositions. By awarding identifiable human actions and feelings to inanimate things, animals, and even abstract concepts, writers may give them life and action.

Some songs using this are:
(a) The Beatles’ - Here comes the sun; “Little darling, ….cold lonely winter”
Here ‘winter’ is personified to be the villain, and it is referred to as the lonelier time, while summer time is portrayed to be a heroic personality.
(b) Michael Jackson’s - Thriller; “You start to freeze as horror looks at you …”/ “And no one’s gonna save you from the beast…”
Here the term ‘horror’ has been assigned a personality, its dark and cold, it’s a beast.
(c) Sade’s – Your love is king
The title itself portrays personification at its best. Only a person can become a ‘king’ in reality, but the emotion ‘love’ is given this title which makes it personified.
(d) Bob Marley – Concrete Jungle; “… moon won’t come out to play”
Bob was referred to as a revolutionary due to the rebellion portrayed in his songs. The ‘moon’ isn’t something that can ‘play’, but here ‘moon’ is given life.

Note: Another great addition to songs would be metaphors. Metaphors are literary instruments that are used to compare two objects in novels, poetry, books, and movies. In music, the analogy is frequently made with current gossip, themes, or other songs. A metaphor is used when an artist or creator compares or portrays an individual, event, location, feeling, or thing as if it were something else.